How many of you are sad that the holidays are over?
I know a lot of you are ready for the holidays to be over and get your life back to normal but it’s hard for a lot of people to say good bye to the most wonderful time of the year and all the good cheer. My family doesn’t live near me so I love winter break when we can spend time with them during the holidays. But at the same time my kids have gotten absolutely no sleep from all the holiday excitement, and thus they are grumpy and hyper all at the same time–if that makes any sense.
Another thing I don’t miss is spending a lot of money on things we really don’t need. In January I try to spend very little money so I came up with 10 post holiday activities on a budget to do with your family and friends so that the winter blues won’t affect you too much.
Lets start with number 10.
10. Yoga
Not only is yoga excellent for calming your mind and body down after the crazy holidays but it is also excellent to lose some much needed pounds from all the chocolate, pies, and rolls that you ate over the holidays. Get your kids involved and keep them active so they can also be ready to go back to school with a clear mind set.
My friends meet all together and do yoga at a church or someone’s home so they won’t have to find a sitter for their kids. It is free and who doesn’t love yoga.
9. Drink Water
Water facts:
-Roughly 70% of an adult body is made up of water
-A healthy person can drink 3 gallons of water per day
-By the time a person feels thirsty his or her body has lost over 1% of its total water amount
-Water keeps your skin looking healthy and smooth and young
-All our organs need water to function at their best
I know how much everyone loves their soda including my husband but try and only drink water in January. It’s so healthy and will cleanse your body.
I also make sure my kids drink plenty of water so they don’t over-eat. If your children are hungry right after a meal or snack give them some water. They are most likely dehydrated and need a little H2O.
8. Get outside
Or just out of your house.
Instead of worrying about cleaning your house on a Saturday get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. For a lot of you it’s still freezing cold but you can still go cross country skiing, snow shoeing or go to an indoor fun center for bowling, mini golf or laser tag. A lot of places have a Groupon or coupons for this time of year. I always call places and see if they have any coupons or specials before I go. We also love to rock climb at an indoor facility. My daughters have been begging me to go to a roller skating rink so I think that will be happening this month.
Other ideas:
- Sledding
- Swimming at an indoor pool
- Arcade
- Ice skating
7. Surprise your husband or friend with a fun date
You can do it at your own home or go out. What ever is cheaper. I love to eat so dinner is always my favorite.
At Home Ideas:
- Pedicures
- Camping on your bedroom floor
- S’mores
- Rummy cubes
Going Out Ideas:
- Over night at a hotel
- Arcade
- Bowling
- Karaoke
- Exercise together
6. Do Service for a friend in need
I was sick over Christmas and my friend invited my family over for dinner and told me not to make anything. I was so grateful for her kindness and her excellent dinner. I think it is fun to take a friend a treat even when its not Christmas or if they are sick. It’s the thought that counts and it makes everyone feel good to know someone is thinking of them. It costs nothing to be kind to someone.
5. Coloring books
Ok I know I am crazy but adult coloring books are huge right now. It is something to do where you don’t have to think too much and create something pretty. They are not that expensive and you can buy them anywhere including Target, Walmart and Craft stores.
It is also so fun to do with your children after their homework is done or before bed. It is a calm activity for everyone.
4. Binge watch old T.V. shows
Grab your girlfriends, sisters or a willing husband. It’s time to relax and pull out your old Friends, Gilmore Girls, Dawson’s Creek, Arrested Development and Seinfeld DVD’s (or Netflix) and get ready for the laughs and tears. Don’t forget to bring the popcorn. I read once that if you have something to look forward to in the week that you are a happier person. Sometimes watching the Bachelor with my girls is the best part of my day.
3. Throw out all the holiday junk food
It all looks soooo good. Why would I throw it out? There comes a time when you have to stop eating junk and you need to get healthy again. After the holidays everyone is busy trying to work out again and eat better. There is no way you can do it with all these yummy treats staring you in the face. The best thing to do is get rid of them. I even de-junk my pantry and fridge.
Time for a fresh start.
Our neighbors have a grapefruit tree and they brought us over a bag full. They were so delicious that we ate them all in a week.
I also love to drink green smoothies or juice. I work so this is a fast easy snack or meal for me. I love Suja juice. I buy it at Costco or Target for a better deal.
2. Get a fresh new hair cut or color
How many times have you told yourself that you are going to try a new look?? A lot right. Well now is the time to get started. look through magazines or Pinterest and find a new look. Take it the next time you go to get your hair done and don’t let your stylist talk you out of it. My friend always has a different hair style and I love that about her because mine has been the same for years. I love that she is so fun and takes risks. Yolo.
1. Wear a T-shirt to show how you really feel
Come on, we all have good days and bad days. So lets say how we really feel. It’s ok for people to know if you are really happy or sad.
I love all the t shirts that let you express yourself. I just got a fun one that says Friday I’m in love. That is my favorite song by the singing group The Cure. And it makes me happy. I once wore a shirt that said “I love my bed” I got a lot of laughs from complete strangers. They are also an excellent ice breaker if you are meeting someone for the first time.
(I got this one from Zwier.co for all my girls for Christmas)
Sometimes you aren’t in the mood to be social and a t shirt with a saying on it is the perfect solution.
My friend bought me a shirt that said “If I can’t take my yarn…I’m not going”. She knows I love to knit and I wear it a lot. It might sound silly to wear a shirt with words on it to tell people how you really feel but try it out. It could make your day go smoother.
January is here so lets make the best of it.
I hope these ideas help you survive after the holidays and help you get rid of the winter blues.
What do you like to do after the holidays on a budget?
Happy New Year
For more tips on how to make the most out of this new year and new beginning – check out some of these great posts:
Rachel McEwen says
Thanks for all of the good ideas! We are having a hard time getting back into the swing of things and now I have a list of some great things to do with my family!
Rachel says
I needed this post to recover from my holiday hangover. I appreciate the tips, especially the yoga, get outdoors, water, and wearing shirts that make you happy. Also, I loved seeing a shout out to Zwier.com. Their shirts make me happy too!
Deanopapino says
January is an odd month, I must agree. I loved your ideas–especially the t-shirts. Come up with one for
Me, would you? Also, loved your pics of Cannon Beach–let’s go!!!
Joanne says
Ashley, Love these ideas! Helping me to think young
Libby says
Best ideas! I love this post. I need to wear better shirts and get a hair makeover. I’m such a bore in the hair salon. The January blues are real. Thanks for all of the great ideas for the new year!